So many times, references are made about these “new” parti-colored or white Pomeranians. The origi- nal Pomeranians were white, black, brown and parti-colored. The red and orange colors were quite rare at that time. Many people don’t realize that some of the first recorded pictures and paintings of the Pomeranian dog are of white and parti-colored Pom- eranians. Many of the paintings and prints from the 18th century feature Pomeranians of various color and size. The Prince of Wales had a black and white parti Pomeranian, named Fino, that was painted in 1791. James Boswell and “Pomer” are the first known recorded reference in British Literature to the Pomeranian breed. Mainz and Manheim Novem- ber 2, 1764. “The Frenchman had a Pomeranian dog named Pomer whom he was mighty fond of.” Queen Charlotte influenced the evo- lution of the breed when she brought two Pomeranians to England in 1767. Named Phebe and Mercury, the dogs were depicted in paintings by Sir Thomas Gainsborough. These paint- ings depicted a dog larger than the TINY POMERANIANS VIEWED BY SOCIETY FASHIONABLE FOLK KEENLY INTERESTED IN SILKEN-COATED DOGS ATWALDORF-ASTORIA.
as far back as 1892. Regular classifi- cation was not provided until 1900 at New York. In 1900, the American Kennel Club recognized the Pomera- nian and the American Pomeranian Club (APC) was formed. In 1909, APC was accepted as a Member Club of the AKC and became the desig- nated Parent Club for the breed. The APC held their first specialty show in 1911 with an entry of 262 Pomera- nians. The first Best of Breed winner was Ch. Banner Prince Charming Early American winners were finer in bone, larger in ear and usually weighed under six pounds. They had type and good coat texture, although they lacked the profuseness of coat in evidence today. When the Titanic sailed on its maid- en voyage, there were three breeds of dog that survived the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912. Two were Pomeranians. As Margaret stood waiting and holding her Pomeranian, James Clinch Smith passed by and jokingly commented, “Oh, I suppose we ought to put a life preserve on the little doggie, too.” Margaret Hayes survived with her Pom on lifeboat #7. A Pomeranian belonging to the
modern breed, reportedly weighing as much as 30–50 lbs (14–23 kg)but showing modern traits such as the heavy coat, ears and a tail curled over the back. In 1873, the Kennel Club (England) was formed and the so-called Spitz dog was among the first breeds rec- ognized. The first Poms shown at the time weighed nearly 18 pounds. In 1888, a Pomeranian named “Mar- co” was sent from Florence, Italy to become the beloved companion of Queen Victoria of England. Marco weighed 12 pounds. The Queen also imported a 7.5 pound, white female named “Gena”. The Queen’s love of the breed was clear to everyone who saw her with her dogs. Because the Queen was a popular monarch, the breed’s popularity grew as well. In fact, the Queen is credited for encour- aging the trend toward the smaller Poms. At one time, Queen Victoria had 35 Pomeranians in her kennel and on her death bed, asked for her Pomeranian, Turi, to be at her side. EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY Pomeranians were shown in the Unit- ed States in the Miscellaneous Class
1920-1930
262 PETS TRY FOR PRIZES
MRS. FRANK SMYTH’S BANNER PRINCE CHARMING RECEIVES HIGHESTHONOR AS BEST DOG IN THE SHOW.
1916-1920
1960
Photos Courtesy of Derial Jas
56 • T op N otch T oys , O ctober 2018
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